On challenges of arranging a series of etchings as illustrated by Elena Grazhevskaya’s graduate project supervisor – Alexei Popov, honored artist of Russia and associate member of the Russian academy of arts

Abstract

The article reveals a number of rules regulating the arrangement of a series of two-dimensional images universal both for works of fine art, as well as photography and design. The authors outline the key principles of creating such a series through a thorough description of the working process behind “The Herbs”, a set of five etchings by Elena Grazhevskaya. The aforementioned project was developed as a graduate qualification work at the Academy of Watercolor and Fine Arts of Sergey Andriaka under the supervision of the Honored Artist of the Russian Federation and Associate Member of the Russian Academy of Arts A. B. Popov. The authors of the article discuss the problem of selecting appropriate composition formats and their subsequent mirroring in relation to the centerpiece of the series at its preliminary sketching stage. The article touches upon the question of proper space composition in symmetrical images, i.e. how to convey a similar depth of couple pieces in the series. The fundamental techniques for working with the tonal color scheme are unveiled, namely the simultaneous portrayal of unity and contrast of lights and shadows in the pieces symmetrical to the central one. Furthermore, the paper addresses how to wisely choose a technique optimal for the type of etchings belonging to the series. The concurrent usage of aquatint and etching stroke technique is justified as it allows one to combine detailed object drawing with decorative aquatint painting as a compositionally organizing element. Likewise, the authors delineate the principles for selecting appropriate printing ink, particularly in the light of the use of a painterly “two-color printing effect” (application of a warm-cold effect of one ink in layers of different thickness). The article will be useful for teachers and students of art schools at all levels of education, photographers and designers, as well as anyone who is interested in creating a series of visual art works.